"A ia hoi, nani ka maika'i a me ka oluolu, O ka noho lokahi pu ana o na hoahanau!"
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Hawai'i state legislature considering ban on sale of ceded lands

This is a pono move by the Hawaiian legislative caucus which was introduced in a press conference at the state capitol this morning. Here is a link to the video and article from KHON news this evening:

The February 25 hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court is just weeks away. If the Justices see mass support for this legislation, they may be more inclined to leave this matter up to the people and leaders of Hawai'i...that is, they'll allow us to resolve the matter "local-style." The fate of these ceded lands should NOT be left to 9 judges at the national level who are not sensitized to the unique history of our islands. We are unlike any other state historically and culturally. The Supreme Court should have no overarching interest in this case because the Hawai'i Supreme Court's decision will not set precedent in other states and therefore does not have national implications. Let's make sure they hear our common voice on this!

About Me

My involvement in the movement for justice for Hawaiians began when I read the Ninth Circuit Court's ruling in John Doe vs. Kamehameha Schools (8/2/05). A student at Kamehameha Schools for most of my childhood, I am a direct beneficiary of Princess Pauahi’s gift of education to our people. Like all Native Hawaiians, I was devastated by the court's decision, for it threatened our ability to access this vital resource intended by our Princess for her people who were (and still are) suffering at the bottom rungs of society. In short, her work (and ours) is not pau.
I issued a call to gather. In less than two weeks over 2,000 Native Hawaiians and supporters gathered at the Ninth Circuit Court in San Francisco. We asked Ke Akua for justice on earth for the aboriginal people of Hawai'i. Our struggle continues, but we (like our Princess) place ourselves in His loving hands, knowing that as we humble ourselves and seek Him, He will be faithful to forgive and heal our people and our 'aina.
Let us move forward together in unity, brothers, and sisters. E holopono me ka lokahi.! He inoa no 'Iesu Cristo, Noelani
(Noelani@HawaiiansUnite.com)